This post meshes well with last week's Saturday Saying about teachers and change. (Look here.) I want to be the kind of teacher who doesn't wait for change to knock down my door. Instead I want a say in the changes that occur in my classroom by seeking out the ones I know will be best for my kids. Having said all that, Richard Allington's quote below adds another important dimension to this whole discussion. When making a change, like teaching something new from the CCSS for example, I believe it's important to allow myself the right not to get it correct on my first attempts. Before even launching into the unknown, I adopt the mindset that it's okay if there are bumps along the way. I expect them in fact and refuse to kick myself about when they present themselves. Like the quote says, change is anxiety-provoking as it is. My attitude concerning inadequacies with new material shouldn't add fuel to the fire. It takes time to make changes that will last. It's okay if it takes three to five years of teaching a new unit or concept before I feel like I'm great at it. I'm going to allow myself the right to not get it all right.